THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

660-The Mamas and the Papas-California Dreamin’

1966-Number 23 single.

When re-issued in 1997, it peaked at Number 9.

Best Bit-At 0.07.The Mamas and the Papas took their name from ‘The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club,’whose female associates are known as ‘Mamas.’

The Mamas and the Papas were formed in Los Angeles, California. United States in 1965 by the husband and wife, John Phillips (1935-2001) and Michelle Phillips, who had previously both been members of the Folk music group ‘The New Journeymen.’ The other founding member was Denny Doherty (1940-2007,) who had previously been a member of the Folk Rock band ‘The Mugwumps.’The groups fourth member Cass Elliot (1941-1974) (see also best songs 247,) was also a past member of ‘The Mugwumps,’ and was taken on soon after the bands formation, on the recommendation of Doherty.

‘California Dreamin’ was co-written by John, and Michelle Phillips, and first recorded by Barry McGuire (see also best songs 527,) with The Mamas and the Papas providing backing vocals. It was going to be released as the follow up to McGuire’s Billboard Number 1,’Eve of Destruction,’ but after hearing ‘The Mamas’ sing it, the music producer Lou Adler persuaded them to release it themselves.

The guitar intro was played by P.F.Sloan (1945-2015,) the writer of ‘Eve of Destruction,’ and the unusual instrumental break in the middle was provided by Bud Shank (1926-2009,) playing an alto flute, as Phillips wanted something different, rather than a guitar break.

‘California’ Dreamin was written by the then newlywed Phillips’ back in 1963, who were at the time living in New York City, during a very cold winter. It is a song about longing to go back to the warmth of California, inspired by Michele’s homesickness.

The song was re-released in the UK in 1997, after being used in an advertising campaign by ‘Carling Premier Beer,’ and peaked at Number 9. In 1990 a cover version of the song, by the Folk/Rock band River City People, reached Number 13 in the UK.

‘All the leaves are brown, and the sky is grey, I’ve been for a walk on a winter’s day.’